Are You at Risk for Hepatitis C?
Are You at Risk for Hepatitis C?
Why It Matters
Hepatitis C can silently impact your health. Discover if you're at risk and learn what factors increase your chances of infection.
Contents
- High-Risk Groups
- Coinfection with HIV
- Uncommon Risk Factors
High-Risk Groups
People who inject drugs are at the highest risk for hepatitis C. Sharing needles or using unsterilized drug equipment can lead to infection. Additionally, people in unstable housing or prisons are more susceptible due to increased drug use.
Coinfection with HIV
Individuals with HIV have a higher chance of contracting hepatitis C. This is due to similar transmission routes like shared needles or certain sexual practices. The risk is notably higher in men who have sex with men.
Uncommon Risk Factors
Less common factors include receiving tattoos or piercings with non-sterile equipment. Even sharing personal items like razors can pose a small risk. Understanding these risks helps in taking preventative measures.
FAQs
Who is most at risk?
People who use injection drugs face the highest risk.
Can having HIV increase hepatitis C risk?
Yes, due to shared transmission routes.
Do tattoos increase risk?
Yes, if done with non-sterile equipment.
The Bottom Line
Identifying risk factors helps in avoiding hepatitis C infection.
Additional References
- Degenhardt L, Peacock A, Colledge S, et al. Global prevalence of injecting drug use and sociodemographic characteristics and prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV in people who inject drugs: a multistage systematic review. Lancet Glob Health 2017; 5:e1192.
- Staples CT Jr, Rimland D, Dudas D. Hepatitis C in the HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) Atlanta V.A. (Veterans Affairs Medical Center) Cohort Study (HAVACS): the effect of coinfection on survival. Clin Infect Dis 1999; 29:150.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.